Reset the filter light after you install a new cartridge
Samsung refrigerators show a water filter warning light when the cartridge reaches the end of its life. Once you install a new filter, you need to reset that light so it starts counting down the next cartridge's lifespan. The reset process takes less than a minute and uses buttons on the fridge itself — you do not need a remote, app, or service call.
The exact steps depend on your model's control panel. Most Samsung fridges use either a button on the ice and water dispenser panel, a touchscreen on the door, or buttons inside the fridge near the filter housing. This guide covers the three most common layouts.
Key Takeaways
- You reset the filter light only after you physically install a new cartridge; resetting without changing the filter defeats the purpose of the warning system.
- Most Samsung models reset the light by holding a dedicated Filter or Reset button for three to five seconds until the light blinks or disappears.
- If your fridge has a touchscreen display, look for a Filter Reset or Settings menu option rather than a physical button.
- The light will return to normal brightness after a successful reset, and you should see it dim again after several months of use.
- If the light does not respond to the reset, check your owner's manual for your specific model number, as some older or specialty models use different procedures.
Reset via the dispenser panel button (most common method)
On most Samsung side-by-side and French-door models, a small button labeled "Filter Reset" or "Reset" sits on the ice and water dispenser panel on the fridge door. This is usually the fastest way to reset the light.
Press and hold this button for three to five seconds. You will see the filter light blink or flash, then go dark or return to its normal dim state. Release the button. The reset is complete. If the button does not respond, make sure you are pressing it firmly — the contact can be stiff on new fridges.
If you cannot find a dedicated filter button on the dispenser panel, look for a button labeled "Ice Type," "Water Type," or "Options." On some models, you hold this button instead, and a menu appears on a small display above the dispenser. Look for a Filter or Reset option in that menu and select it.
Reset via the touchscreen or digital display
Newer Samsung models with a large touchscreen on the refrigerator door use an on-screen menu instead of a physical button. Tap the Settings or Menu icon (usually a gear or three horizontal lines) on the main display.
Navigate to Filter, Water Filter, or Maintenance. You should see an option that says "Reset Filter," "Filter Reset," or "Replace Filter." Tap it. The screen will confirm the reset, and the filter light on the display or on the ice dispenser will clear. If you see a confirmation message asking "Are you sure?", tap Yes or Confirm.
If the touchscreen is unresponsive or you cannot find the filter menu, restart the fridge by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. This sometimes clears a stuck menu. After the fridge powers back on, try the Settings menu again.
Reset via the filter housing button (less common)
Some Samsung models, particularly older ones or specialty units, have a reset button on the filter housing itself. The housing is usually located inside the fridge, either in the upper right corner or in the lower left corner behind the crisper drawers.
Open the fridge and locate the cylindrical or cartridge-shaped filter. You may see a small red or black button on or near the housing. Press and hold it for three to five seconds. The filter light should reset. If you cannot find a button on the housing, the reset is not done this way on your model — return to the dispenser panel or touchscreen method.
What to do if the reset does not work
If the light does not respond after you have tried the correct reset method, first confirm that you installed the new cartridge all the way. Remove the old filter and install the new one again, pushing it firmly until you hear or feel a click. Some filters require a quarter-turn clockwise after insertion to lock in place.
Next, try the reset procedure again. If the light still does not clear, the issue may be a stuck button contact or a sensor problem. Unplug the fridge for two minutes, then plug it back in and try the reset once more. If that does not work, check your owner's manual for your specific model number — some units have a different reset sequence or require a service technician.
You can find your model number on a sticker inside the fridge, usually on the back wall or on the side wall near the top. Search for "[Your Model Number] filter reset" online, or contact Samsung support with the model number and a description of what happens when you press the reset button.
How often you need to reset the filter
Samsung recommends replacing the water filter every six months under normal use. The filter light will gradually brighten over that time as the cartridge becomes saturated. When it reaches full brightness or turns red, it is time to buy a replacement.
If you use your ice maker and water dispenser heavily — multiple times per day — you may need to replace the filter sooner, sometimes as early as three to four months. If you rarely use the dispenser, the cartridge may last longer, but Samsung does not recommend going beyond nine months without replacement, as the filter loses effectiveness over time.
When you order a replacement, confirm the model number of your fridge. Samsung makes several filter types, and using the wrong cartridge can result in poor water quality or a poor fit. The correct filter part number is usually printed on the old cartridge or listed in your owner's manual.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reset the filter light without installing a new cartridge?
Yes, the button will reset the light even if you do not change the filter. However, you should not do this. The light is your reminder that the cartridge is old and no longer filtering effectively. Resetting it without replacing the filter defeats the warning system and may result in drinking unfiltered water.
What happens if I ignore the filter light?
The light is a reminder, not a safety lockout. Your fridge will continue to dispense water and make ice even if the light is red or blinking. However, an old filter becomes less effective at removing chlorine, sediment, and other contaminants. The water may taste or smell off, and the ice may absorb odors from the fridge.
Do I need to turn off the fridge before resetting the filter?
No. You can reset the filter while the fridge is running. The reset only affects the light counter, not the cooling system or any other function. You do not need to unplug the fridge unless the reset button is not responding.
Where do I buy a replacement Samsung water filter?
Samsung filters are sold at most appliance stores, big-box retailers like Home Depot and Lowe's, and online through Amazon and Samsung's official website. You can also order directly from Samsung using your model number. Prices typically range from $30 to $60 depending on the model and where you buy.
Will resetting the filter void my warranty?
No. Resetting the filter light is a normal maintenance task and does not affect your warranty. Using non-Samsung filters or attempting to repair the fridge yourself may void coverage, but pressing a reset button is not a repair.